The new NFL year began at 4 p.m. Wednesday and the Steelers have had more comings than going in the early portion of the period, creating a frenzied panic among fans.
After all, the team has seen four players walk out the door -- linebacker Bud Dupree, offensive lineman Matt Feiler, cornerback Mike Hilton and defensive tackle Tyson Alualu -- and only re-signed cornerback Cam Sutton and offensive tackle Zach Banner. Add in the release of linebacker Vince Williams, and the Steelers are down five players from their roster of a year ago without any new incoming replacements.
Thing is, free agency is just starting. Typically, that means the bargain shopping doesn't start until sometime after the first week.
Not this year.
Cap-rich teams such as the Patriots, Jets and Jaguars have been quite active. However, they've also spent large portions of their available salary cap money. New England, for example, entered the free agent period with more than $60 million in available cap space and is now down to $16 million according to overthecap.com.
The Steelers have just over $3 million in cap space available, but still have some remaining moves to create additional space with extensions and restructures. They won't be major buyers on the open market, but with the big spenders now mostly tapped out, there will be bargains available moving forward.
Here's a look at some of those spots they could fill.
CENTER
This is a position that is seeing a lot of movement this offseason. And it could turn into musical chairs since there are only 32 available starting jobs and three or four rookies who could step in and potentially start. That could lead to some bargains being available as players jump to make sure they don't get stuck without a job.
Best Available
1. David Andrews, Patriots
2. Austin Reiter, Chiefs
3. Nick Martin, Texans
4. Ben Garland, 49ers
5. Ethan Pocic, Seahawks
There are some others out there, such as former Ravens center Matt Skura, who also could be starters, but everyone in this group has starting experience. And there could be some additional guys cut loose. Martin has additional value in that he won't affect the compensatory pick formula since he was released. The Steelers also could wait to see what happens with the draft before signing someone other than simply adding B.J. Finney. Players signed after the draft don't count against the compensatory pick formula, either.
TIGHT END
The Steelers won't be looking for a starter here. They'll be looking for a complementary player to Eric Ebron. That means a blocker would be the best fit. And those are relatively easy to find.
Best Available
1. Tyler Kroft, Bills
2. Jesse James, Lions
3. Marcedes Lewis, Packers
4. MyCole Pruitt, Titans
5. Richard Rogers, Eagles
Some of the players here are a little long in tooth, such as Lewis, and there are other veterans such as Tyler Eifert and Kyle Rudolph available. This should be a relatively easy position to fill with a cheap veteran.
RUNNING BACK
James Conner hasn't signed elsewhere and given the contracts being given to running backs, his return is looking like it could be a possibility. But the position will still be a priority in the draft, meaning the player signed here isn't guaranteed a starting spot.
Best Available
1. Chris Carson, Seahawks
2. Kenyan Drake, Cardinals
3. James Conner, Steelers
4. Mike Davis, Panthers
5. Duke Johnson, Texans
There are a good number of veterans available beyond this group, depending on what you're looking for. And there could be some additional players hitting the market as teams continue to trim the fat from their rosters.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
This was not a spot at which the Steelers were expected to be looking for help, but the Alualu loss makes it a priority. That said, there are a good group of players available. Remember, the Steelers aren't looking for Casey Hampton here. They're looking more for a player who can play some nose tackle snaps and serve as a backup to Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on pass rushing downs.
Best Available
1. Sheldon Rankins, Saints
2. DaQuon Jones, Titans
3. Jurrell Casey, Broncos
4. Kawann Short, Panthers
5. Lawrence Guy, Patriots
All of these guys bring some top-of-the-line pass rushing ability, with the exception of guy, who's more of a run stuffer. But there also are good players available beyond these five, including Steve McLendon, Jonathan Hankins, Malik Jackson and others. Much like other positions, this could be a buyers market soon.